By Damilola Fatunmise
Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria – In the ever-evolving field of electrical engineering, few names resonate as strongly as that of Prof. Ademola Abdulkareem. A Professor in the Department of Electrical and Information Engineering at Covenant University, Prof. Abdulkareem stands out for his profound contributions to academia and cutting-edge research.
His career, marked by over 14 years of teaching and research, showcases a rare blend of intellectual rigor, innovative thinking, and practical industry engagement that continues to elevate the standards of engineering education and research in Nigeria and beyond. Prof. Abdulkareem’s academic journey is rooted in a solid educational foundation.
He earned his PhD in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Covenant University in 2016, preceded by a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos in 2008 and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Ilorin in 1990. His continuous pursuit of knowledge and excellence has not only shaped his career but has also had a transformative impact on the students and colleagues who work alongside him. Prof. Abdulkareem is renowned for his innovative teaching methods and unwavering dedication to student engagement.
Courses such as Electrical Measurements and Instrumentation, Control Systems, Dynamic Modelling of Electrical Machines and Controls and Advanced Electrical Power System and Protection have been enriched by his real-time teaching methods, which integrate visual aids, PowerPoint presentations, and interactive discussion sessions.
His approach emphasizes hands-on learning and computational thinking, fostering an environment where students not only learn but actively apply complex engineering concepts. Beyond classroom teaching, Prof. Abdulkareem has successfully supervised over 120 undergraduate, five master’s, and two doctoral students, guiding them through complex projects that range from designing wireless apnea-monitoring devices to developing prototype smart grid technologies. A strong advocate for academic-industry synergy, Prof. Abdulkareem has facilitated numerous initiatives aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical applications.
As the Industry Coordinator for Covenant University’s College of Engineering from 2018 to 2020, he led collaborations with prominent organizations such as Nestle Nigeria Plc, Nexans Kabelmetal Nigeria, and Vodacom Business Nigeria, etc. His efforts ensured that students were exposed to industry-relevant training, enhancing their readiness for the workforce.
One standout achievement was coordinating the installation of a 2.5MVA injection substation at Covenant University’s new estate, a project that combined theoretical knowledge with practical implementation. Prof. Abdulkareem’s research contributions are both extensive and impactful. With over 40 publications in esteemed, Scopus-indexed journals, he has positioned himself as a leading authority on power systems, machine learning applications in engineering, and renewable energy solutions.
His works such as “Experimental Analysis of Intrusion Detection Systems Using Machine Learning Algorithms” , Design and Analysis of 750kV Super Grid for the electcity security in developing nations and “Strategic DG Placement and Sizing in Developing Nations’ Power Systems” reflect his commitment to addressing real-world problems with advanced technological solutions.
His research interests are diverse yet focused, encompassing power quality considerations for distributed generation, fault detection in transmission networks, and the integration of renewable energy sources. Notable among his achievements is his pioneering work on optimal phasor measurement unit (PMU) placement for Nigeria’s 330-kV grid, a critical study that contributes to the efficiency and stability of the national power system.
This work, along with others on smart grid technologies and predictive machine learning models, underscores his commitment to finding sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s persistent power challenges. Prof. Abdulkareem’s research efforts extend beyond Nigeria’s borders through his role as an annual visiting scientist at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Research Centre for Energy and Electric Power in South Africa. Since 2022, this collaboration has facilitated cross-border research that leverages his expertise to address shared energy and power systems challenges.
His contributions have also been supported by prestigious grants, including the DSI/NRF-Sasol Research Chair in Energy and Power Systems Modelling, affirming his status as an internationally respected researcher. Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Ademola Abdulkareem has garnered numerous accolades.
His dedication to impactful research earned him the Best Researcher Award from Covenant University (college of engineering) in both 2020 and 2021. Additionally, he holds a Certificate of Award as Effective Doctoral Supervisor at African Universities from Stellenbosch University South Africa, and a certificate of award as a Programme Evaluator from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), highlighting his expertise and influence in shaping engineering education standards.
Prof. Abdulkareem’s service to academia includes significant editorial and peer-review roles. He has been an external reviewer for leading journals such as *Heliyon* and the *Advances in Science, Technology and Engineering Systems Journal (ASTESJ)*, ensuring the quality and integrity of scholarly work. His active participation in conferences, including chairing technical sessions and presenting at global events such as the World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science in San Francisco, USA, further underscores his dedication to advancing the field. Beyond his academic and research achievements, Prof. Abdulkareem has been a catalyst for community development.
As a member of the Tender Board at Covenant University and an Electrical consultant for the proposed Faith Academy, he has contributed his expertise to impactful projects within the university community. His leadership roles, including serving as the Chair of College of Engineering Curriculum Committee, and Chair of the Departmental Research, Engagement, and Conference Committee, reflect his ability to inspire collaborative efforts and drive innovation. In 2024, Prof. Abdulkareem embarked on initiatives for nonprofit organizations to integrate artificial intelligence into talent management and automation, showcasing his commitment to leveraging technology for social good. His experience as a member of the university’s Road Safety Committee further highlights his multifaceted contributions to both academic and local communities.
Prof. Ademola Abdulkareem’s career is defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovative teaching, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement. His work not only addresses the technical challenges of power systems and renewable energy but also builds bridges between academia and industry, preparing future generations of engineers for the complex realities of the global landscape. As Covenant University continues to grow as a center of academic and technological advancement, Prof. Abdulkareem’s influence stands as a beacon of inspiration and progress.